Provision of a 24/7 Section 12 Doctor Rota for Mental Health Act Assessments in Surrey

Descriptions

Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB), in partnership with Surrey County Council, is exploring options to commission a sustainable, high-quality solution for the provision of Section 12 approved doctors to support the delivery of Mental Health Act assessments across Surrey.

We are seeking a provider (or group of providers) who can deliver a reliable, year-round rota of Section 12 approved doctors to attend Mental Health Act assessments when requested by local Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs). This will include:

• 24/7/365 coverage with one Section 12 doctor on-call at all times

• A back-up doctor for surge or dual-assessment requirements

• A single point of contact/booking system accessible to AMHP teams

• Full compliance with clinical governance, performance and response expectations

In 2024/25, there were 1,773 Section 12 assessments conducted in Surrey. The estimated contract value is £500,000 - £600,000 per annum, and we are seeking a provider with the capability to support this statutory function across a geographically large and diverse county. The contract duration is proposed as potentially 3 years with up to a 2 year extension option.

Attached is a draft service specification setting out our proposed requirements. At this stage, we are inviting expressions of interest, alongside any comments or questions providers may have regarding the scope, delivery model, or commercial approach.

We welcome responses from:

• NHS or independent sector providers with experience in urgent mental health delivery

• Clinical staffing agencies with a track record in rota management and mental health settings

• New market entrants with a strong track record of high standard delivery who can mobilise the required capabilities

• Partnerships or consortia (including clinical chambers or equivalent) who can jointly meet the full -service requirements

To register for a conversation with ICB colleagues please respond by Noon (12pm) on Friday 12th December 2025 via email to Stuart Meredith (stuart.meredith1@nhs.net).